What Is a One Way Pallet?
A one-way pallet, also called Single Use Pallets, is built for one-time trips. You load, move, and stack your goods just like with any other pallet — but once it reaches your customer, there’s no need to bring it back. They simply keep it, reuse it locally, or recycle it.
These pallets come in metal, wood, or plastic. If you’re looking for cost savings and a greener choice, one way plastic pallets made from recycled HDPE or PP are the way to go. They’re usually in nine-foot or nestable designs, which means less weight, less storage space, and easier handling. That’s why they’re a smart pick as an export pallet for overseas shipments, bulk orders, or routes where pallet returns just don’t make sense.
Most models handle around 0.8–1 ton dynamic and 1–2 tons static load — perfect for medium to light goods. And with plastic construction exempt from ISPM 15, you clear customs faster and keep your export process smooth from start to finish. These plastic recycled pallets often have a “muted” look compared to new ones, with blue and black being the most common.
Our Enlightening Pallet nestable single-use plastic pallets are shown in the picture
When Should You Choose a One Way Pallet Instead of a Reusable Pallet?
You already know a One Way Pallet is for single-use shipping. Now, let’s see how it stacks up against a Reusable Pallet.
| Criteria | One Way Pallet – Advantages | Reusable Pallet – Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower price, no return freight. | Pays off after many trips. |
| Return Logistics | No retrieval needed. Ship and done. | Works if you can get them back. |
| Load Capacity | Strong for one trip loads. | Handles heavier, repeated loads. |
| Hygiene | Export-ready, ISPM 15 exempt. | Easy to wash and reuse. |
| Durability | Safe for one shipment, then recycle. | Lasts years with good handling. |
| Best Use | Overseas, big exports, relief goods. | Local runs, closed-loop supply. |
Summary – Which Should You Choose?
- Go One Way: No return route, fast bulk orders, or space is tight.
- Go Reusable: You control returns, ship often, or need long service life.
FAQ – One Way Pallets vs. Reusable Plastic Pallets
Q1. What export standards must single-use or reusable plastic pallets meet?
Both should meet ISPM 15 exemption (no fumigation needed), comply with ISO 8611 load tests, and match container size standards for your export market. For sectors with strict hygiene control, reusable pallets are preferred over single-use types.
Q2. Can a one way pallet be recycled?
Yes. Most plastic one way pallets are made from recyclable PP or HDPE. Unlike reusable pallets, they don’t return with the goods, so recycling is usually handled by the receiver or local waste management. The material can be reprocessed into new pallets or other plastic products.
Q3. Can I use a one way pallet for racking storage?
Usually no. Nine-leg base pallets—whether single-use or reusable—are not designed for rack beams. However, their nine-leg design makes them one of the best options for floor storage in warehouses and export staging areas.
Q4. What’s the main cost difference between one way and reusable pallets?
One way pallets have a lower purchase cost and no return freight. Reusable pallets cost more upfront but can be more economical if you can recover them for multiple trips in a closed-loop system.
Q5. Are plastic one way pallets safe for food exports?
Yes. Compared with wooden single-use pallets, plastic one way pallets are better for food exports because they don’t absorb moisture, grow mold, or attract pests. Made from food-grade PP or HDPE, they meet export hygiene standards, and the material can still be recycled after use.
Q6. Can one way pallets be customized?
Yes. We can customize size, color, and add logo printing for branding or identification. Custom molds are also available for large-volume export programs.
Choose One Way Solutions Plastic Pallets at Enlightening Pallet
Now you know exactly when a one way pallet works best, and when to go reusable. As a trusted one way plastic pallets manufacturer, we offer injection-molded, ventilated deck one way pallets in two base options to match your needs. For 9 legs nestable export pallets types: about 0.5 t dynamic / 1.5 t static—ideal for floor storage. For 6 runner export pallets types: about 1.0 t dynamic / 2.0 t static—better for forklift handling. Both are built for single-use export, with designs that cut waste and avoid overspending.
Talk to us today for a tailored quote and reliable export-ready pallets.
